Greater Miami and Miami Beach: The Cruise Capital of the World® Celebrates Records, Inaugural Sailings and Industry Leadership

PortMiami Celebrates Record Cruise Traffic and Historic Terminal Launch Reinforcing Miami’s GlobalCruise Industry Leadership

MIAMI, FL (April 14, 2025) — Greater Miami and Miami Beach once again reaffirms its global leadership as the Cruise Capital of the World®, celebrating a historic wave of milestones through April 2025. From the debut of the world’s largest cruise terminal to multiple high-profile inaugural sailings, the destination continues to lead the way in cruising innovation. With cutting-edge infrastructure, seamless accessibility, and PortMiami at the helm, Miami offers an unmatched pre- and post-cruise experience for travelers from around the world.

In February, PortMiami made headlines by hosting a record-breaking 10 cruise ships and nearly 68,000 cruise passengers in a single day — a new benchmark for global ports. The momentum carried into April with two major inaugural cruise events:

• The inaugural sailing of MSC World America which took place on April 9 from MSC’s new, four-level, 490,000-square-foot facility — now officially the largest cruise terminal in the world. As one of the most anticipated new cruise ships of 2025, it offers guests a luxurious Caribbean cruise experience right from Miami’s cruise terminal.
• The launch of Norwegian’s Aqua, the first in its Prima Plus class, scheduled for April 13. Featuring attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster, this next-generation luxury cruise ship will begin its Caribbean cruise from Miami.

These milestones coincide with Seatrade Cruise Global, the world’s largest cruise industry convention, celebrating its 40th anniversary at the Miami Beach Convention Center. With over 600 exhibitors and thousands of cruise industry leaders, the event further reinforced Miami’s position at the forefront of global cruising.

“There is truly no place in the world like Greater Miami and Miami Beach when it comes to cruising,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With the opening of the world’s largest terminal, record passenger volume, and the honor of hosting Seatrade Cruise Global, our destination is not just participating in the cruise industry — we’re leading it.”

Greater Miami and Port Miami’s position as a premier global cruise hub is supported by industry-first innovations and traveler conveniences:

• PortMiami is the first seaport to host a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry Enrollment Center allowing for expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.
• World-class amenities and attractions near PortMiami make pre and post cruise experiences seamless. The Bayside Concierge luggage program allows cruise passengers to securely check bags and explore Downtown Miami attractions like Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park, and acclaimed museums such as the Perez Art Museum (PAMM) and Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Visitors can also elevate their time in Miami by catching a live performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, one of the premier cultural institutions in the country—all just minutes from the cruise terminal.
• Quick arrival to Miami Beach with direct drive via the MacArthur Causeway, passengers reach Miami Beach in just 10-15 minutes, offering seamless access to hotels, world-class beaches and iconic attractions.
• Access to a world-renowned culinary scene with Michelin Guide recognition as well as the beloved Miami Spice Restaurant program available each year during the months of August and September.
• With shore power infrastructure — the first major cruise port on the United States eastern seaboard — PortMiami is advancing sustainability by significantly reducing emissions while ships are docked. This cutting-edge system allows cruise ships to plug into the local electrical grid rather than running their engines, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in surrounding communities. The $125 million investment underscores Miami-Dade County’s commitment to environmental stewardship and positions PortMiami as a global leader in sustainable cruising practices. The shore power program supports up to five cruise berths and is a key component of the county’s broader climate resilience strategy.

PortMiami serves over 8.2 million cruise passengers annually and is the preferred departure point for top cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages. Whether you’re planning a family cruise from Miami, a weekend getaway, or a luxury cruise vacation, PortMiami offers diverse itineraries and world-class ships.

Located on Dodge Island in the heart of Biscayne Bay, PortMiami offers unmatched accessibility for travelers from around the world. Just 8 miles (approximately 15 minutes) from Miami International Airport —one of the busiest international gateways in the U.S.—and directly connected to Brightline high-speed rail service, now linking to Miami from locations in South and Central Florida, the port is seamlessly integrated into the region’s transportation infrastructure. Whether arriving by air, rail, or road, cruise passengers can easily transition from arrival to embarkation. Surrounding PortMiami are some of the top-rated pre or post cruise hotels in the country, offering everything from luxury suites with bay views to family-friendly accommodations steps from PortMiami.

Whether sailing on the latest innovative cruise ships, discovering things to do in Miami before your cruise, or experiencing the vibrant culture of Miami Beach, travelers agree: the best cruise vacation begins in Greater Miami and Miami Beach.

For more information, visit MiamiandMiamiBeach.com.

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About the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB):

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited, independent, not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami & Miami Beach for leisure, business, meetings and conventions. For a vacation guide, visit MiamiandMiamiBeach.com or call 1.888.76-Miami (U.S./Canada only) or 305-.447.7777. To reach the GMCVB offices, call 305.539.3000. Meeting planners may call 1.800.933.8448 (U.S./Canada only) or 305.539.3071 or visit MiamiMeetings.com. To get further engaged with Greater Miami & Miami Beach, join the conversation by following on social media at Facebook.com/visitmiami, X.com/visitmiami, Instagram.com/visitmiami and Pinterest.com/visit_miami.